Finding your information
How to tell if you are an Urban or Rural customer
2 min read
Electricity connections are defined by their Distribution Use of System categories. For residential electricity this is separated into urban and rural customers. Knowing which of these categories you fall into is important for understanding your bill, and making price comparisons.
Find your DG code
The Distribution Group (DG) code is used by ESB Networks to determine what category a property falls into. There are a total of 21 DG codes, but only two of those are relevant for residential customers.
The code DG1 means that you are an urban domestic customer, and DG2 means that you are a rural domestic customer. There are several places where you can find your DG code.
Look on your electricity bill
The simplest way to determine this is by looking at your electricity bill. Somewhere in the personal details section, usually in the top right corner, you will see your DG code. Simple as that.
Contact ESB Networks
If you have your MPRN you can contact ESB Networks at the National Customer Contact Centre on 1800 372 757. They will be able to provide you with your DG code.
Ask your supplier
If you don’t have an electricity bill on hand, you can contact your electricity supplier’s customer service line. They will be able to provide you with the DG code for your property.
What difference does it make?
The main difference between urban and rural customers is in the standing charge. Rural households are almost always charged higher amounts than urban ones in standing charges.
Some suppliers may also have different electricity rates for urban and rural households, but this is rarer.
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